4 Benefits Of Maca Powder For Men And Women

Written By Daniel Maman / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Have you heard about the maca root? It is gaining a lot of popularity today as a superfood due to its numerous health benefits. 

If you are interested in getting some maca powder for yourself, then you are on the right page. In this article, you will learn about what it is and the list of benefits it can provide both men and women. 

What is Maca Powder?

The maca plant's scientific name is Lepidium Meyenii, and it is also known as Peruvian ginseng. Its appearance is sometimes described as the crossbreed between a white radish and a potato. This plant is commonly found in the Andes mountain's harsh environment a few thousand feet above sea level.

The maca plant is a vegetable related to kale, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. It has a long history of medicinal and culinary use in Peruvian culture. 

The main part of this vegetable that is edible is its root, which can have varying colors from black to white. The root is traditionally dried and powdered. However, it is also not common to consume it in liquid form. 

In modern times, the maca plant is commonly found in supplements or powder form. The taste of it is not something that is considered to be delicious by many because it has flavors of nuttiness and oatmeal.

This is why it is popularly used as an additive for sweet treats and smoothies to mask the distinct taste. 

What Are The Benefits of Maca Powder for Men and Women?

Now that you have a clear idea of what the maca plant is, it is now time for you to know its top four benefits for men and women. Here they are: 

• High Nutritional Content

One of the biggest reasons why the maca plant is becoming very popular is because of its high nutritional content for both men and women. It also has plenty of minerals and vitamins. 

Here is a quick overview of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that a 28-gram maca powder contains: 

• Manganese
• Vitamin B6
• Iron
• Copper
• Vitamin C
• Fiber
• Protein

Aside from these, maca is also an excellent source of good carb. It is also low in fat and contains bioactive plant compounds. 

• Increase Libido And Fertility For Men And Women

Increased libido and fertility is also another major benefit of maca plants for men and women. In fact, most of the best maca powders highlight this in their marketing, along with its nutritional benefits.

So, if you are looking for help in these aspects, then using some maca powder on your food or drink might just be the solution you have been looking for. 

The claim that the maca plant can help improve sexual desire is backed by research. According to a review from 2020, there is evidence found that maca improved the sexual desire of some of the 131 men subjects. After six weeks of ingestion of the maca powder, the participants have noticed results.

Furthermore, fertility issues are more common than you think, especially in men, because sperm quantity and quality are very important in conception. Other research also showed that maca when consumed for four months and above could help improve sperm count and quality. 

• Boost Energy And Sport Performance

Maca is considered to be an adaptogenic plant. This means that it allows your body to have the ability to resist and adapt to the environment, such as depressions, stress, and anxiety.

In fact, some research suggests that because of this, it can provide your body with an energy shot just like caffeine. 

Consequently, the maca plant can help improve sports performance. It is widely used in the bodybuilding community. Users claim that it enables them to increase strength, gain muscles, and enhance exercise performance.

There were even some studies done on animals that show maca can help improve endurance performance. 

Moreover, more research showed that eight male cyclists observed better speed in completing their bike ride after consuming a supplement of maca powder for 14 days. However, whether maca powder has a long-term side effect when consumed regularly is yet to be answered. It is still currently being studied by researchers. 

• Improve Mood

There is also evidence that shows that the maca plant's consumption can significantly improve a person's mood. It has been associated with reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in both men and women. 

The reason why the maca plant has these benefits is that it contains flavonoids. It is believed that flavonoids can help improve the psychological outlook. 

Furthermore, women who are undergoing menopause can also significantly benefit from the maca plant. The plant can help reduce symptoms such as sleep issues, vaginal dryness, and irritability. 

Does Maca Powder Have Side Effects?

With all the appealing benefits of the maca plant, you may be thinking that it might be too good to be true. However, the consumption of maca plants is generally safe as long as it is prepared the right way. 

According to Peruvian natives, the maca plant is safe as long as it is adequately boiled beforehand. It can have side effects if the root is consumed raw.

If you are buying it already powdered, then you will not have any issues. Just make sure that it is from a reputable brand that knows what they are doing. 

Aside from that, if you are suffering from thyroid issues, it is best not to consume any maca products. This is because the plant contains goitrogens. These are substances that can affect the natural function of the thyroid. 

It would be best if you also were careful when consuming maca powder when you are pregnant. Consult your primary physician first to be safe. 

Final Words

It is important to remember that the maca plant's scientific research and its benefits are still in the early stage, just like other superfoods. However, despite that, its long history of benefits tells you that it is worth trying. You might just find your new favorite superfood. 

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Written By:

Daniel Maman has a degree in exercise science and has been a personal trainer for over 10 years. As a nerd for all things health, he spends much of his free time learning about the latest physiology and nutrition research. He also enjoys playing basketball, spending time in nature, and spoiling his dog, Luna. 

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

Photo by Indivar Kaushik on Unsplash